School-Business Partnerships of Long Island, Inc. (SBPLI) announces that the Seaford FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology) LEGO League Team #92 (the “Sea Lions”) is hosting an environmental cleanup at the Francis T. Purcell Preserve in Hempstead, New York on Saturday, August 8 at 8 a.m.

The primary habitat for many native plants and animals, this Hempstead plains area once occupied more than 40,000 acres in central Nassau County. Recognizing the years of neglect the preserve has endured, the team members felt it was time to restore the park to its original grandeur. All Long Island FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC), FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC), FIRST LEGO League (FLL) and Junior FLL teams are welcome to participate in the cleanup.

The Francis T. Purcell Preserve is located at 101 James Doolittle Boulevard in Uniondale, New York, near the Nassau Coliseum and Long Island Marriott. In addition to a call for volunteers, SBPLI is also requesting donations of bottled water, first aid items and garbage bags to help with the cleanup efforts.

“This event gives team members the opportunity to work together and help impact the environment in a positive manner,” says Chris Baker, Coach, Seaford FLL Team #92. “After visiting several local areas, we selected the Francis T. Purcell Preserve for its impact on the natural habitat.”